Miya Pearson
Sleep training can be a challenging process for both parents and children. One of the most well-known methods is the Ferber method, also known as graduated extinction or cry it out. This method involves allowing children to cry for strictly timed intervals without intervention, with the goal of teaching them to self-soothe and fall asleep independently. While this approach has been effective for some, it has also received criticism for potentially causing distress to both children and parents. It's important to note that sleep training methods should be tailored to the child's age and development, and parents should seek approaches that align with their parenting style and comfort level. An extinction burst is a phenomenon that can occur during sleep training, characterized by an increase in crying or protesting behavior as the child tries to return to familiar sleep habits. This is a normal part of the process, and it's important for parents to remain consistent and patient during these setbacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | In Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), extinction refers to what happens when a previously reinforced behaviour suddenly stops receiving that reinforcement. |
| Other Names | Extinction burst, graduated extinction |
| Description | A temporary increase in crying, protesting, or screaming when a familiar routine or habit is stopped. |
| Occurrence | Typically happens within the first week of sleep training, lasting a few days. |
| Examples | Crying for longer, screaming, throwing toys, climbing out of bed, waking up multiple times a night. |
| Response | It is recommended to stick to the sleep training method, remain consistent, and not give in to demands or resort to old habits. |
| Age Considerations | Older children might be more resistant to changes, making the extinction burst more intense or prolonged. |
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What You'll Learn
What is an extinction burst?
In the context of sleep training, an extinction burst refers to a temporary increase in the intensity or frequency of a child's behaviour when the reinforcement for that behaviour is removed. This phenomenon is observed in various sleep training methods, including the extinction method, and typically occurs a few days into the training process. For example, if a child's crying at bedtime was previously reinforced by being rocked to sleep, the removal of this reinforcement during sleep training may lead to an extinction burst characterised by increased crying or protesting behaviour.
The term "extinction" in this context originates from Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). In ABA, extinction refers to the disappearance of a previously reinforced behaviour when the reinforcement is no longer provided. In sleep training, this translates to the removal of parental responses that previously reinforced certain behaviours, such as crying or demanding attention at bedtime.
Extinction bursts can occur at different stages of sleep training and can be classified into primary and secondary bursts. The primary extinction burst typically happens within the first few nights of sleep training and is characterised by an initial spike in crying or protesting behaviour. This is the child's immediate response to the removal of reinforcement.
The secondary extinction burst, on the other hand, can occur later, often between nights 4 to 7. This happens when parents relax the rules or unintentionally reinforce the old behaviour again. For example, if parents respond faster, add back a feed, or stay in the room, the child may test if the old behaviour will still work. This is similar to a behavioural relapse, where a person craves old habits when trying to form new ones.
It is important to note that extinction bursts are not a sign of failure or manipulation by the child. They are a normal and predictable part of the sleep training process, and they can occur in children of all ages, although they may be more common in babies 6 months and older. The duration of an extinction burst can vary, typically lasting anywhere from a day or two to a week or more, depending on the consistency of the sleep training approach and the child's temperament.
To effectively navigate an extinction burst, it is recommended to stick to the chosen sleep training method and maintain a level-headed approach. Consistency is key during this phase to help the child adapt to the new expectations. While it is important not to give in to demands or resort to old habits, it is also crucial to provide comfort and support to the child without reinforcing the unwanted behaviour.
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How does it relate to sleep training?
In Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), extinction refers to what happens when a previously reinforced behaviour suddenly stops receiving that reinforcement. This is relevant to sleep training as it involves changing a reinforced behaviour. For example, if a baby cries at bedtime and their parent always responds by rocking them to sleep, the baby's crying has been reinforced. However, if the parent stops responding in the same way as part of sleep training, the baby will increase that behaviour in an attempt to get the old response back. This increase in crying or protesting behaviour is known as an extinction burst.
Extinction bursts typically occur a few days into sleep training when the child realises that their behaviour is no longer getting the same response from their parent. It can feel like a setback, but it is a normal and predictable part of the sleep training process. During an extinction burst, it is important for parents to remain consistent and stick to the sleep training method they have chosen. This teaches the child that they will no longer be met with the old responses. While it is not recommended to resort to old habits, parents can sit with their child and help them calm down without giving in to demands.
The extinction burst usually occurs within the first week of sleep training and lasts a few days, but the timeline can vary depending on the child. It is important to select a sleep training method that aligns with the child's age and development. For example, the "Cry It Out" method may be too intense for younger babies, while older toddlers might respond better to the "Fading" method, where parental presence is gradually decreased at bedtime.
The Ferber method, also known as graduated extinction, is a sleep training program developed by pediatrician Richard Ferber. It involves leaving children alone for strictly timed intervals, ignoring their protests and cries. While some parents may find this method distressing, others may embrace it and find it less difficult. It is important for parents to weigh the pros and cons of different sleep training methods and choose a strategy that works best for them and their child.
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What are the different types of extinction bursts?
In the context of sleep training, an extinction burst refers to a sudden increase in a child's crying or protesting behaviour when a previously reinforced behaviour stops being reinforced. This phenomenon is not limited to the "extinction method" of sleep training but can occur with any method that involves changing a reinforced behaviour.
There are two main types of extinction bursts: primary and secondary. The primary extinction burst typically occurs during the first few nights of sleep training, marking the first spike in crying or protesting behaviour once the reinforcement is removed. This can feel like a setback, but it indicates that the child is adapting to new sleep strategies and starting to learn new sleep habits.
The secondary extinction burst, on the other hand, can occur later, often between nights 4 to 7. This happens when parents relax the rules slightly, such as responding faster or adding back a feed, and the child "tests" whether the old behaviour might still work. This is similar to a behavioural relapse, where an individual returns to old habits or routines.
It is important to note that extinction bursts are not exclusive to sleep training but can occur in various situations, such as weaning from breastfeeding. They are a normal part of child development and do not indicate that something is wrong. Consistency in sleep training methods and responses is crucial in navigating through extinction bursts effectively.
While there are no specific types of extinction bursts beyond primary and secondary, the intensity and duration of these bursts can vary depending on the child's temperament and the chosen sleep training method. Some children may experience more intense crying or protesting behaviour during the bursts, while others may take longer to adjust to the new sleep strategies.
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How to manage an extinction burst
An extinction burst is a common phenomenon in sleep training. It refers to a sudden increase in the very behaviour that sleep training aims to decrease, such as crying or resisting bedtime. This typically happens when reinforcement for a behaviour is removed, and the child tries to return to the old way of doing things.
Stay Consistent
It is important to stick to your chosen sleep training method and remain consistent. Giving in to your child's demands during an extinction burst reinforces the idea that they can return to old habits by protesting. By staying consistent, you teach your child that they won't get the old responses anymore. This doesn't mean you have to leave your child to protest alone; you can sit with them, help them calm down, and provide reassurance, but without reverting to old habits.
Be Patient
The duration of an extinction burst can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on factors such as the child's temperament and the consistency of your approach. It's important to stay patient during this time and remember that it's a temporary phase in the sleep training process.
Understand the Cause
Recognise that an extinction burst is a normal part of the sleep training process and is not a sign of failure. It is your child's way of adapting to something new and grappling with changes in their sleep habits. Understanding the cause of an extinction burst can help you stay calm and respond effectively.
Prepare for Setbacks
Be prepared for setbacks during sleep training. The first few nights may be challenging, and just when you think things are improving, an extinction burst can occur. Knowing that this is a possibility can help you manage your expectations and remain resilient in your approach.
Choose a Suitable Approach
Ensure that your chosen sleep training method suits your parenting style and your child's temperament. There are various methods to choose from, such as the Ferber Method, Controlled Crying, or CIO (Cry It Out). The right approach will make it easier for you and your child to persevere through any extinction bursts.
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Other sleep training methods
Sleep training is a tool that parents can use as their child's sleep routine changes. It is important to note that there is no "right way" to sleep train, and parents should choose a method that suits their parenting style and that they and their baby are most comfortable with.
One popular sleep training method is the Ferber method, also known as the "interval method" or "gradual retreat". This method involves timed check-ins where parents can acknowledge or reassure their baby. Parents put their baby in the crib when they are tired but still awake, say goodnight, and leave the room. They then re-enter the room at designated intervals to check in on their baby, but they should not pick them up. For example, parents can check in at three minutes, five minutes, and ten minutes, and so on. During these check-ins, parents can briefly say a soothing word or two, but they should not linger for too long. This method can also be adapted by staying in the room until the baby falls asleep and then gradually moving the chair further away from the crib each night until eventually leaving the room.
The Fading method is another sleep training approach that involves gradually decreasing the amount of time spent on techniques used to get a baby to fall asleep, such as rocking, soothing, singing, or babywearing. This method is classified as a gentle sleep training technique as it does not involve crying, but it may take longer for the baby to fall asleep independently.
The Cry It Out (CIO) method, also known as "full extinction", is a sleep training technique where parents take their baby through a bedtime routine, cuddle with them, and give them a kiss goodnight before leaving the room.
The pick-up/put-down method is another gentle sleep training approach. With this method, parents put their baby down for bed, and if they start to fuss, they let it happen for a little bit before picking them up to soothe them.
It is common for parents to combine different sleep training methods to suit their and their baby's needs. For example, the CIO method can be combined with the Ferber method, depending on the baby's response. Additionally, the Fading method can be used in conjunction with other techniques to gradually shift the baby's bedtime to a different time that better suits their natural rhythms.
Remember, the goal of sleep training is to teach your baby to fall asleep independently without needing to be rocked or soothed by their parents. It is important to stay consistent and patient throughout the process, as sleep training can be challenging for both parents and babies.
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Frequently asked questions
An extinction burst is a temporary increase in crying or protesting behaviour from a child when a previously reinforced behaviour stops being reinforced. In the context of sleep training, this could mean that a child cries more when their parent stops responding to their cries by rocking them to sleep.
An extinction burst typically occurs within the first week of sleep training and can last a few days. However, it can happen at any time when a significant behaviour change occurs.
It is important for parents to remain consistent and patient during an extinction burst. While it is not recommended to resort back to old habits, parents can sit with their child and help them calm down without reinforcing the behaviour that is causing the extinction burst.
Yes, the Ferber method, also known as "graduated extinction" or "cry it out", is a type of sleep training where parents leave their children alone for timed intervals, ignoring any cries or protests.
